Extra support will be given to councils to help them to prepare for the introduction of landmark legislation – that will ensure domestic abuse victims and their families get the vital help they need – has been announced today (Monday 5th October) by Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Kelly Tolhurst MP.
Thousands more people are expected to be helped from April 2021 when the new law comes into force placing a duty on councils to support victims of domestic abuse.
Vital support for victims of domestic abuse
Once the duty comes into forces, the new £6m funding announced today will mean that councils in England can commission additional vital support for those victims of domestic abuse and their children who might currently be turned away from refuges and other safe accommodation because their needs cannot be met.
The Domestic Abuse Bill, currently before Parliament, includes a new duty for councils to assess and provide support and safe accommodation to victims and their children in England.
Planning for plan accommodation and specialist services
This new funding will mean councils can plan accommodation and specialist services ahead of the Act coming into force and ensure that in all areas across the country services are joined up.
Councils can prepare by linking in with other agencies such as police or health commissioners and ensure their staff receive training in the new duty.
Long term impact on victims, their children, and wider society
Domestic abuse is a devastating crime which creates long term impacts on victims, their children, and wider society. The Government has committed to transforming the response to domestic abuse so victims and their children receive the support they need when they need it.
Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Kelly Tolhurst MP said:
“Survivors of domestic abuse need safe refuge in order to escape this heinous crime, and support to start to rebuild their lives.
“Councils already provide much needed support, but the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill will mean for the first time councils will have a duty to provide support in safe accommodation for anyone fleeing abuse.
“The funding I am announcing today will help councils prepare for this new duty that will see thousands more survivors helped and a generation of their children able to grow up safely and free from fear of abuse.
“We have committed to supporting all domestic abuse survivors. That’s why since 2014 we’ve invested £80 million in safe accommodation services to support victims of domestic abuse.”
Councils need to be ready for this new duty and the Government is consulting with them on the best way to allocate funding from April 2021 to ensure they are able to meet their new obligation.
News shared by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Ed
Image: Sydney Sims under CC BY 2.0
